Italy — What an exciting night of Italy Junior High Boys basketball, with the guys in gold dropping three close games to the visiting Rice Junior High Bulldogs. All three losses were decided by 2-points or less but the Italy teams played extremely well and were competitive to the end.

In the combo game (7th and 8th grade combined), Chistopher Munoz led the way for Italy with 8-points. In the final minute, Adam Powell, dribbled the length of the court to bank in a mini jumper that gave Italy the lead, 18-17. Rice countered by rebounding an air ball and then laying it in the hoop to regain the lead, 19-18. The final seconds rolled off the scoreboard with Rice hanging on for the win.

Italy Combo-ators Roster/Scoring:

Coach: Wayne Rowe

With fans trying to catch gather themselves after the first match, the Italy 7th grade boys found themselves in a tight battle as well. Ryder Itson, led the Italy effort with 9-points while teammate, Cason Robert was a force on defense and managed to score an additional 4-points

Marcoz Duarte and Cade Brewer each scored 5-points, with both knocking down 3-pointers, while Jonathan Salas, carried the Junior High Gladiator 8th graders on the defensive boards. Unfortunately for Italy, Rice came to play and held on for a 33-31 win, the second close match of the night.

Italy 7th Grade Roster/Scoring:

Coach: Wayne Rowe

If the first two games were not exhilarating enough, the final game of the night featured a talented Italy 8th grade boys team in a grudge match with the Rice Bulldogs. Italy defeated Rice earlier in the season and so the Bulldogs were not up for a repeat performance.

Kendrick Norwood, was the front runner for Italy with 13-points while, Garret Janek, and, Anthony Lusk, Jr., each put in 4-points for the cause. Janek was active in this one and always has a knack for drawing hard fouls. Kyle Tindol was a beast on the boards and finished with 5-points.

Gary Escamilla had a major roll in helping to advance the ball and get the offense started. Escamilla even executed a pass while sliding into the paint from a seated position. Illegal, but it was so smooth the referees let it slide. Clay Riddle did his best work on the defensive boards but took his best shot at scoring when the opportunity presented itself. Cade Roberts scored a basket down low and Ty Hamilton provided grit and determination while making accurate passes on offense.

In the final moments, with the score 33-31 in favor of the Dogs, Italy had a couple of chances to tie the game but miscues and a stubborn rim sealed their fate. The Rice 8th grade Bulldogs held on for the win while managing to tie the season series, 1-1.

Italy 8th Grade Boys Roster/Scoring:

Coach: Charles Tindol

Regardless of the final scores, all three Italy teams were playing solid, unselfish basketball and that’s what fans enjoy seeing this time of the season. Nice job!

Special thanks to book keeper, Misty Escamilla.

Go Italy Jr. High!

[[ Click here for more images of the junior high match ups with Rice ]]